Frequently Asked Questions
Transparency is our thing. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions... and the answers.
Who is Pinwheel?
Pinwheel is a privately-owned tech company fighting climate change and biodiversity loss.
What sort of projects do you fund?
We fund rigorously selected projects that make a real and tangible difference to the health, biodiversity and climate security of our planet.
Do you fund projects where causality is in question, like avoided deforestation?
No. We will never offer projects where we doubt the impact being made, or where the money you provide doesn’t make a difference.
How much money goes directly to the projects?
85% of the income from personal plans goes straight to the projects. The remainder covers the costs of our work to identify and promote the best planet-saving projects in the world.
If I have a personal plan with Pinwheel, does that mean I can stop worrying about my carbon footprint?
No! Pinwheel plans are designed to help you go above and beyond. The biggest difference you can make is to cut your own carbon emissions and planet-harming activities as far as you can.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Do you fund monoculture single species sapling planting?
No. We only fund biodiverse and native tree planting. We believe that balanced eco-systems that support a broad range flora and fauna are as important as removing carbon from the air.
How do you select the projects in each plan?
Projects are selected in accordance with our proprietary quality framework, which ensures only the most impactful projects make it into our plans.
What principles inform your choice of projects?
We hand-pick the projects, based on ensuring that they have the biggest impact possible. Our approach to carbon removal is strongly informed by the Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting.
What are the Oxford Principles?
Cut emissions, use high quality offsets, and regularly revise offsetting strategy; shift to carbon removal offsetting (as opposed to avoided emissions); shift to long-lived storage; support the development of net zero aligned offsetting.
What is the aim of the Wilderness plan?
Wilderness projects are those that use natural solutions to increase biodiversity and rewild the planet.
What is the aim of the Ocean Rescue plan?
Ocean Rescue projects clean up the ocean and support its ability to remove carbon.
What’s the aim of the Clean Tech plan?
Clean Tech projects provide technology that will reduce carbon emissions and support the well-being of communities that need our help most.
What’s the aim of the New Horizons plan?
New Horizons projects include those projects that, if successful, have the best chance of helping us crack climate change – the most exciting and game-changing projects.
How often do you change the composition of your project portfolio?
We keep the projects we offer under review and, if we become uncertain that a project is making a meaningful difference, we’ll replace with one we’re confident will.
Will doing this really make a difference?
Yes. The plan you pick will fund projects that make a meaningful impact. We only work with projects that undertake important planet-saving activity.
Do you make a profit?
Not at the moment, although we believe it’s important that climate-tech is not just a marginal charitable activity. In the future we'll aim to make a profit to provide a return to investors who have made the platform possible and to reinvest into our business so we can extend our impact around the world.
Can I choose more than one plan?
Not yet! We’re working on new products, including the ability to select more than one plan. If you’re registered with us, we’ll let you know when new tools and products are live; if you’re not, sign up here.
Sign upCan I buy a pinwheel plan as a gift?
We’re building dedicated gift tools. In the meantime, you can absolutely sign someone else up!
How are you funded?
Pinwheel is a private company, funded by shareholders and operating revenues.
Who are your shareholders?
Our majority shareholders are the founding team, who still run pinwheel. We have raised additional funds from investors, all of whom share our vision of a healthy and sustainable planet.
What else can I do to lead a more sustainable life?
Lots! We have some great ideas that you can read here.
Read moreI have a project that I’d like to be considered for funding?
Great! If you think your project fits with our selection criteria we would love to hear from you. Click below to contact our impact team.
Get in touchCan I have a job?
We’re looking for smart, passionate, proactive people. Our current vacancies are here.
Open rolesWhat are your terms and conditions?
You can read our full terms and conditions here.
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